Today I completed my 7th day of Crossfit at Crossfit Copperfield and wow this was a hellacious workout! We did something called the ‘Whittman’ which is the following;

Seven rounds for time of:

15 Kettlebell swings (53, 35 lb)

15 Power Cleans (95, 65 lb)

15 Box jumps (24″, 20″ box)

This was the hardest workout so far. I keep saying that for the previous days WOD but it does get more difficult. The only difference is that I had mine scaled to 4 rounds instead of 7. If I were to complete 7 it would have taken me a very long time. The Cleans are not difficult to perform but doing 15 at a time is grueling on the body and can mentally fluster you. With true grit and being ‘dialed in’ on the workout you can really pull out those last reps with precise form.

Overall I am seeing some great results. My clothing is fitting better and less snug. My stamina has improved a lot and I do see some more definition in my arms. Very happy with where I’m headed. Although this was a 1 month Crossfit session I may have to get rid of my 24 hr fitness membership and continue with crossfit! Stay strong!

Ever been to the gym and you had a miserable time getting a good workout due to constant distractions? Its hard enough going to the gym for those with some motivation but seeing people there that are unruly, distracting and overall wasting their time can put your own workout in a damper. I’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Gym Annoyances, let me know if you agree or if you have your own list to contribute.

1. The Stinker

I know some people will say “this is a gym, its not suppose to smell like lollipops and dandelions” Well yeah you’re right but it shouldn’t smell like a bucket of yuck either. Sometimes smells can be so unbearable due to extreme body odor that it becomes a huge distraction. People need to be considerate. Shower atleast every other day (no joke) and slap on some speed stick and we’re good to go.

2. The Sweat Box

Again yes, I know its a gym but the lack of courtesy by other gym members who drench a bench with their sweat is disturbing and disgusting. I don’t mind my own sweat but swimming in someone else’s pool is something I’m not interested in doing when I’m trying to focus on getting shredded.

3. Failing to Rack

This is something I’ve stressed to management via twitter, facebook and in person at my local gym. For the love of all that is holy please please re-rack your damn weights! I don’t know whats worse, taking off 8 plates from the chest press machine or looking for the 35 lb dumbbell. Either way its frustrating and rude. If you can’t put things where you found them don’t touch em!

4. The Main Event

This is the guy/girl who draws attention be it by dancing, hopping around, shadow boxing, dressing in a g string, or whatever.. these people scream LOOK AT ME! It’s a hazard in the gym as I can’t help but to stare and think why are they here? Stop causing a scene and lift!

5. Yakkity Yak

I can’t count how many times I’m blasting some insane heavy fast music in my earbuds and it’s still being drowned out by the idiot talking next to me on their iphone. No one cares whats for dinner or about the latest company mergers. You’re at the gym to focus on improving your health and body so hang up and run.

6. The Lunker

Surely we’ve all seen the video of the ‘lunker’ who grunts excessively and is kicked out of Planet Fitness (that gym is a joke) Well I too wouldn’t mind seeing them be escorted out of the gym. Sure there are times when you have to let out some steam and noise while squatting 400 lbs but good grief do you have to wake the dead? Seriously, just clench your teeth, breath through your mouth and get that weight up.

7. Hogging the Machine

We all don’t have 3 hrs every day to dedicate to the gym so if possible do your set, take a small stroll, maybe 30 seconds and get back to your sets. If you can let someone work in. I’ve hit the gym during lunch breaks and I sometimes have as little as 45 mins to drive to the gym, change, grab a workout, run a mile, shower, change and be back. I can’t be held up by someone hanging out on a bench of machine with 5 minute rest sessions between sets. Do work and go!

8. No inhibitions

I do not know how this applies to the ladies locker room but in the mens locker room there are plenty of older gents who enjoy, a bit too much I might add, being naked as soon as they walk in. I am still uncertain why the older crowds enter the locker room and immediately strip to their bare asses and “hang around” for what seems like an eternity. The locker room is meant for changing and showering, not socializing with your twigs and berries. It’s just ridiculous!

I’m sure we all have our own top gym annoyances so leave a comment and let me know what you think.

So I finished up Day 4 of Crossfit at Crossfit Copperfield and am noticing that my recovery time is decreasing. When I first tried out Crossfit I remember not being able to workout for a week. I came home, laid down on the floor and moaned as I was in a lot of pain and discomfort. This time its not the case. I know its not for lack of effort as I am giving 110% (Jess you’ll get this LOL) but maybe my body and muscles are responding well to the extreme torture and hard work that is being thrown my direction.

I still cannot believe that in less than 3 weeks I will be racing a 12 mile race called with a great friend of mine who from my understanding is in pretty amazing shape currently. I’m not really worried about it like I use to be but I do ‘fear’ one obstacle. Its called the Boa Constrictor.

The thought of being in a small tube partially submerged really messes with my mind. I know I’ll be able to do it but I don’t want to have a panic moment and freak out halfway through the obstacle. Hopefully the closer I get the more I can focus and get my mind right to conquer this fear.

I’ve started a crossfit routine from today to get my body back into cardio burn mode for the big race. I do notice that afterwards I did not feel lethargic as I did the first few times. I do believe that my current diet as well as my current endurance and stamina levels are allowing me to do more and go hard then before. I’m VERY happy with my progress for the race. My goal is to continue with crossfit until the Thursday before the race, October 4th. I want to get in atleast 3 workouts per week and incorporate some more running into my regimen to compete with the runners during Tough Mudder!